Alan Esdaile

Better known as international disc jockey Johnny Mason. Currently re-living his mis-spent youth through this web-site.

How many of these 70’s albums do you recognise?

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http://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/quiz/2014/may/13/70s-album-covers-quiz-albums-best-1970s-sleeves-art

Thanks to Yvonne Cleland for finding this.

Ralph Town…..12 from 15.Joni Mitchell,Chic and Joy Division would have done for me.

Philip Meston….I got 9!

Martyn Baker……14. I missed the Dire Straits cover.

Clifford Rose…..I got 14 out of 15. I had to guess on three of them!

Jane Hartley…..Pathetic 7

Andy Gunton….13

Alan Esdaile….13, I would have more wrong if it was not multiple choice.

John Storer….[Blows upon fingernails and polishes them on the lapel of his jacket]
15 out of 15!  (but then I have 13 of them in my collection – all bar Billy Joel and Miles Davis)

H R Giger Dies

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Andy Gunton….The artist H. R Giger, who died yesterday, didn’t just create the ‘Alien’.
He also produced some pretty iconic album covers, like the one below.
I remember buying this when it came out. Unfortunately the cover art was better than the album inside.

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Phillip Meston…..Agreed, not one of ELP’s better moments! Have to admit to owning this and many more of their albums though…

John Storer…..Always thanked the overblown ELP for killing off progressive rock and opening the door for punk, but would actually forgive them everything for the sublime “From The Beginning” from Trilogy

Will Cornell….A collection of Giger covers would be great…but: Let’s not forget the infamous poster that came inside with the DK’s “Frankenchrist”. The poster that eventually deep-sixed the band itself.

Tony Court-holmes….epic

Jim Breeds….Gosh, yes! I didn’t have the album, but I still have the free 33 1/3 flexidisc that NME gave away!! If I remember the story correctly, there was no track called Brain Salas Surgery on the LP. It was then released of the free flexidisc as one of two tracks. The other track is “Excerpts From BSS”, split into 8 pieces. The paper cover on the disc is the same as the album, but opens up down the middle to reveal further art work and the single. I don’t know whether the original album did that too. I could scan it to demonstrate what I am trying to describe if anyone is interested (and scan the disc too).

Colin Norton…..Hi Guys, I also have a copy of the flexi…. Sorry

Jim Breeds…..My flexi value is tumbling in front of my eyes. Another pension plan hits the rocks

Steppin’ Out – Dance Dance Dance & Hurt Again 1976

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https://soundcloud.com/martyn-baker/steppin-out-dance-dance-dance

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Dubbed from an old cassette, (Originally recorded in 1976 – Hastings).

Written by Martin Stringer arr. Steppin’ Out.

VOX – Martin Stringer, VOX – Tich Turner, ALTO SAX & B/V- Wesley Magoogan
LEAD GUITAR & B/V – Roger Hubbard, RHYTHM GUITAR & B/V – Little Stevie Whitefield
DRUMS – Andy Knight, BASS GUITAR – Martyn Baker

Janine Anne Hemsley….I love it

Andre Martin…..Interesting – very mid 70s disco structure would gone down well with the glam/disco music in that time – good find.

Martyn Baker….Here is a recording with the final lineup. Kevin Hoad had taken over the drumstool, Pete Prescott had replaced Martin Stringer by then. We decided to split the band up shortly afterwards.

https://soundcloud.com/martyn-baker/steppin-out-hurt-again

935003_10151699947769287_870860994_nphoto supplied by Pete Prescott

Pete Prescott……I remember that gig.i was very much in awe of everyone in the band.also i was still living in north kent.i used to travel down wednesday nights and weekends.tich was amazing as a frontman.didnt know why they needed me.throw in wes and roger h.amazing band.i moved to hastings on christmas eve 77.the band split up on new years eve ha ha ! i was left stranded in a town i didnt know.bit tough for a while.but it picked up a year later with the jims.i think we did smoke on the water at that gig with ray for the first time.he had that yamaha.great guitar.

The Happy Ballroom – illustrated talk Thursday 22nd May 2014

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The Happy Ballroom – Illustrated talk  by Andre Palfrey-Martin – Thursday 22 May 2014
Local Historian and volunteer archivist at Hastings Museum, Andre Palfrey-Martin, who used to DJ and promote on Hastings Pier, will be giving an illustrated talk on the ‘Happy Ballroom in the 50s and 60s’
Appearing on ‘The End of the Pier Show’ shown on BBC One recently, Andre has spent many years researching the music and entertainment on offer in Hastings. He will look at various bands and groups that appeared on the Pier during those decades.
The talk is being held at the newly opened HUB situated on the Promenade between Robertson Street and The Pier Project. Doors Open 7.00pm – Talk starts at 7.30pm.Tea and coffee provided. Please book at least 24 hours in advance by emailing learning@hpcharity.co.uk or calling 01424 435 587.

 

White Rock Theatre – Season of Stars 1993

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supplied by Matt Thomas

Janine Anne Hemsley…..Marvelous

Alan Esdaile….Some big names here and only a couple of cover bands.

Jim Breeds…..Gosh, yes. Even Norman Wisdom!

Matt Thomas…..I recall one ot the towns councillors gettin a few of the ‘blue’ comics barred from the theatre but that was quickly over ruled as they soon realised they were putting bums on seats and making a bit of money

Insight – Music Files – Pete Prescott – 1990’s

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supplied by Pete Prescott

Alan Esdaile….Insight from Music Files – Pete Prescott. Very interesting write up, a bit small to read but you should find it interesting. These are Pete’s thoughts in the 90’s.

Pete Prescott….ha ha ! did i get stick for that in the following issue ! eve (mat b) cleavage took exception to my comment about what i would do if one of my kids wanted to go into music.very fair in fact.i was as usual talking bollocks ! strangly i have just done a gig with my youngest poppy (who with a cold blew everyone away.i wish i had a little of what she has )

 

 

Ian Crawford and The Boomerangs – 9th May 1964

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Andre Palfrey-martin collection

Andre Martin…..May moves on and here we are again at the doors of The Happy Ballroom, Hastings Pier to see what is on the bill for this week. Saturday 9th May 1964 – Ian Crawford and The Boomerangs, supported by The Alexanders.As one would guess, the name of the group has a “ down-under” connection, the lead vocalist – Ian Crawford, had emigrated to Australia at the age of 15 and had spent some time in the pop business releasing a couple of records and appearing on Australian TV [ No he was not the stunt double for Skippy] then decided to return to UK. With his group The Boomerangs he worked throughout the UK in the 60s and included several package shows supporting the Beatles. This was a feature of the scene at the time, when for about 5/- [25p] you could see a show with several chart acts together – we had several of these at the old ABC Cinema in the early 60s. Ian Crawford and the Boomerangs had their first release in 1964 on Fontana Records – “Don’t Let her be your Baby” it was a cover of the US Contours number. It did very little in the charts.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdYuw-LT2RM&feature=youtu.be

Supporting the show on that night were the popular regular visitor to the Happy Ballroom, from Eastbourne/Brighton The Alexanders, who during this period were building up a fine following in Sussex and the Home Counties.